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Miner arrested for prospecting for gold in Harare's leafy suburb
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A Harare man has appeared in court facing multiple charges linked to alleged illegal gold mining activities at a residential property in the city's leafy Marlborough suburb.
Chiripayi Chipandire appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe on Thursday, where he was granted bail of US$500.
Chipandire, who is represented by lawyer Tawanda Takaindisa, faces charges of illegal possession of explosives, unlawful blasting and prospecting for minerals without a valid licence.
According to the State, Chipandire's involvement in the matter dates back to early 2024 when he allegedly met Douglas Walsh in central Harare. Prosecutors allege Walsh informed him that there was hidden treasure at Stand Number 4 Wallington Close in Marlborough.
The State alleges that Chipandire subsequently hired an excavator and began excavating near the property before being stopped by residents who objected to the activity.
Prosecutors say he later approached the property owner, who granted him permission to search for the alleged treasure, after which he formalised the operation with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
The court heard that residents again raised complaints in January 2025, prompting a temporary suspension of the activities.
However, the State alleges that Chipandire later resumed mining operations without obtaining the necessary documentation from the ministry.
On July 17 this year, police arrested several of Chipandire's employees at the property during an operation targeting the alleged illegal mining activities.
Investigators reportedly recovered explosives, detonator cord fuses, a drill bit, a windlass, ropes, a demolition hammer and a "bunga" made from conveyor belts, all of which the prosecution alleges were being used in the mining operation.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of mining activities in residential areas following growing concerns over public safety, environmental damage and compliance with mining regulations.
Chipandire is expected to return to court as the matter proceeds.
Chiripayi Chipandire appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe on Thursday, where he was granted bail of US$500.
Chipandire, who is represented by lawyer Tawanda Takaindisa, faces charges of illegal possession of explosives, unlawful blasting and prospecting for minerals without a valid licence.
According to the State, Chipandire's involvement in the matter dates back to early 2024 when he allegedly met Douglas Walsh in central Harare. Prosecutors allege Walsh informed him that there was hidden treasure at Stand Number 4 Wallington Close in Marlborough.
The State alleges that Chipandire subsequently hired an excavator and began excavating near the property before being stopped by residents who objected to the activity.
Prosecutors say he later approached the property owner, who granted him permission to search for the alleged treasure, after which he formalised the operation with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
The court heard that residents again raised complaints in January 2025, prompting a temporary suspension of the activities.
However, the State alleges that Chipandire later resumed mining operations without obtaining the necessary documentation from the ministry.
On July 17 this year, police arrested several of Chipandire's employees at the property during an operation targeting the alleged illegal mining activities.
Investigators reportedly recovered explosives, detonator cord fuses, a drill bit, a windlass, ropes, a demolition hammer and a "bunga" made from conveyor belts, all of which the prosecution alleges were being used in the mining operation.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of mining activities in residential areas following growing concerns over public safety, environmental damage and compliance with mining regulations.
Chipandire is expected to return to court as the matter proceeds.
Source - newsday
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